Hull swoop for Lauaki

Hull have signed New Zealand and Tonga forward Epalahame Lauaki on a three-year deal.

The 25-year-old has secured a release from the two years left on his contract with the New Zealand Warriors, although the deal is subject to him being granted an entry visa.

"Playing in the UK is something I have always wanted to do but I didn't want to come at the end of my career," he said. "I wanted to come while I still had plenty of football in front of me and, when Hull came in for me, it presented me with the perfect opportunity."

Lauaki, who won two caps for the Kiwis before switching his allegiance to Tonga, fills Hull's quota spot vacated at the end of last season by Australian Adam Dykes but the club insist he is not a replacement for Michael Crocker, who has re-applied for a visa.

Hull's football operations manager Jon Sharp, who tried to sign him when he was coach of Huddersfield, added: "I was desperate to sign him and I chased him for two years. He will be a tremendous asset and he will kill it here."

Lauaki played in the World Cup alongside Hull second-rower Willie Manu and another recent signing Sam Moa, who is due to arrive at the club this week.